The snow surface was dense and in any place with wind (which was just about everywhere, even in the trees) the upper layer of the snow was more dense than the snow beneath that layer....the snow was inverted and somewhat punchy. While skinning along, there were often cracks in the top surface about 4" deep, but we didn't experience any settlement or anything at all from the pre-existing snow pack. The skiing conditions were fun and challenging, but sub-optimal given the inverted nature of the snow in most areas. Best skiing was in wind sheltered areas or where the new snow was on a very firm surface. Much of the new snow had the consistency of sand, as there was little or no cohesion in all that graupel.